Columbia Northern HCD layout build thread

SP&S #750 Mar 31, 2014

  1. SP&S #750

    SP&S #750 TrainBoard Member

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    After the HCD pros and cons thread, I've chosen to go ahead with the hollow core door layout so I can have a layout.

    Essentially the layout is an expansion and modification of my original 2 x 4 N scale layout. This is what I have on layout at the moment

    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=636871706367087&set=pcb.636872279700363&type=1&theater

    and here's what I have drawn up, yes I've been testing with rulers turnout measurements and all that fun stuff.

    I'll be placing my order for more peco C55 flex and some turnouts eventually

    Here's what I've worked out so far

    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...67706202.58447.100001327912636&type=1&theater

    Sorry for the blurry pictures, I'll take some better ones tomorrow.

    Essentially the Columbia Northern is somewhere in Washington where the 4 hill lines merge, it'll be mostly freight trains. I'm gearing the layout to two operators, for the most part I'll be operating alone. Building and tearing trains down to switch and swap out. There'll be an engine facility, sanding facility and a couple other things that are related to stuff like that.

    The turnouts are #6's all around, the radius will be 13(possibly 12). Here's to hoping that this layout and thread won't go under.
     
  2. MVW

    MVW E-Mail Bounces

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    I was unable to access your images, but good luck with the HCD. My layout started 3-4 years ago with a single HCD. I've added a second, and hope to have a third HCD online within the next year. It's nice to be able to skip the benchwork construction phase and start laying track.

    Jim
     
  3. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Can't view the photos. :( Could you attach them here?
     
  4. SP&S #750

    SP&S #750 TrainBoard Member

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    track plan: not to scale but is the general gist of what I want
    https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.....0-8/10003740_637722986281959_372628014_o.jpg

    I set up some ez track so I can run trains while I order the stuff I need https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t31.0-8/1522766_637723029615288_1357674694_o.jpg

    some of the cars in the photo are ones I picked up at the trainshow.

    I also joined My friends N scale group Omni rail so I'll be ordering a big box of Peco Code 55 track for the HCD and the two modules I've drawn up.
    And here's a photo of NP #6505 and her cars(my train, the other one I had with me was #750 and her cars)
    [​IMG]
     
  5. North Bank Road

    North Bank Road TrainBoard Member

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    Hello 750,

    I was able to see your plans this time. Thanks.

    Looks like an excellent starter plan with operation and storage included. I would think with a HCD you should be able to fit in more, but not sure what scenery you are thinking about using and what location you are using. Wa. or OR.? Prototype or generic?

    Have you thought about a view block. A backdrop always makes the layout appear larger. Masonite is cheap and I could help you out with the painting if you would like. This is something not everyone can do or wants to do. A nice backdrop goes a very long way in making a simple layout seem finished with out a spec of ground foam applied. You really need to meet some of the Portland N group. Its a big community always willing to help.

    Sincerely, Rick
     
  6. SP&S #750

    SP&S #750 TrainBoard Member

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    I was thinking of doing Washington, possibly Wishram or Vancouver. The Columbia Northern is a fictional company(that I'll get some locos for, like GP35's and a couple alcos) it's essentially an excuse to have locos that the SP&S did not run. The "CN" will be a conglomerate of the SP&S but owned privately.
     
  7. North Bank Road

    North Bank Road TrainBoard Member

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    Sounds like a good plan. Maybe eastern WA on one side and Western on the other. Brown vs. green?

    Rick
     
  8. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    That would provide some nice variety.
     
  9. John Moore

    John Moore TrainBoard Supporter

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    Wishram is doable in the later BN era because most of the tracks and service structures were gone, even the eatery and the station as it was under the SP&S. I think there is a small Amtrac facility there replacing the station but it would be best to use Google Earth to get a fairly recent look. However to try and do Wishram as when it was a major system yard and engine service terminal would take about three hollow core doors end to end. That is why I settled on Lyle in my earlier plans. Of course you might want to look across the river at the Oregon Trunk. A lot of traffic on that line with lash-ups of GN and SP&S power plus the WP folded in. Some rugged scenery plus modeling part of the Deschutes River is far easier than trying to model the Columbia. And I shudder at the thought of trying to even attempt the Ceilo wye and bridge with its lift span. I would much rather do the Keddie Wye, no lift span and smaller space.
     
  10. North Bank Road

    North Bank Road TrainBoard Member

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    Lyle is a great place to model. Here is a version from an earlier layout in 16 inches deep. I even included the Klickitat river bridge. There was a lumber mill, hotel and sheep loading facilities with town up the hill. Back in the day also has a turntable.

    DSCF0018.jpg DSCF0021.jpg

    Rick
     
  11. John Moore

    John Moore TrainBoard Supporter

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    Very compact small yard. The single stall engine house was unique in that the turntable was located behind the engine house. Early years 1920s-1930s had two sawmills. One at the west end on the north side of the tracks the other at the east end on the south side of the tracks, a large apple packing warehouse and several other businesses besides the large sheep pens. The facility also had oil and water for steam with water columns and two water tanks at one point plus the oil tank.

    What makes it so attractive to model is the tracks from the east pop out of a tunnel almost at the start of the yard then once the Klickitat River bridge is crossed there is another tunnel. Talk about scenic dividers.
     
  12. SP&S #750

    SP&S #750 TrainBoard Member

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    The OT idea isn't half bad, this is Craig Willet's photo for F unit friday on one of the BN F unit groups I'm part of.
    I really like it, it'd be a nice change up from the lush greenery in western Wa.

    [​IMG]
     
  13. SP&S #750

    SP&S #750 TrainBoard Member

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    Ok, so I bought more Peco Flex and two left hand #6 turnouts. I think I'll go with the Oregon trunk idea, as I remember when we were headed on a camping trip to Bend there was lots open land. I started on the Small stub yard, that'll be switched by an RS1. and on the final leg of the yard will be something, I haven't decided what yet so any input would be appreciated. I have to order roadbed, don't like using cork.

    THis has helped me cope with some of the grief from one of our dogs passing yesterday, I'll be decaling one of my MTL heavyweights with the Columbia northern roadname and "naming" the car Sasha out of respect for Sasha our newfoundland that passed yesterday. The other undecorated car will receive the name Adele, out of respect for a very close family friend.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  14. PaulBeinert

    PaulBeinert TrainBoard Supporter

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    SP&S,
    Are you thinking of foam roadbed instead of cork roadbed?
    I am using cork and from what I have read here on TB, the foam roadbed ages badly and when applying pressure to ballasted track, it will compress and cause cracking of the ballast.
     
  15. SP&S #750

    SP&S #750 TrainBoard Member

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    I was, but I do have some spare cork left over from my 2 x 4. I suppose I could use that or buy some more at Home depot.
     
  16. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    I keep looking at that F unit photo. As much as I disliked BN, I actually kinda miss those days.
     
  17. SP&S #750

    SP&S #750 TrainBoard Member

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    I wish I could've seen them, I really liked the BN pre frisco, then Pre BNSF.

    BN F units are my favorites, I supose I could paint some up for the Omni rail group I want to join.
     
  18. SP&S #750

    SP&S #750 TrainBoard Member

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    Was doing some testing today, my RS1 chassis finally arrived so my #51 shell was put to good use... now I just need to get the remaining decoders for everything that doesn't have one: 4 IM F units, 2 RS3's, 1 RS1, 2 C424's, 2 E5A's, and 2 pairs of Alco FA/FB2's(unless I sell these).

    SAM_1725.jpg SAM_1720.jpg SAM_1721.jpg SAM_1722.jpg SAM_1723.jpg SAM_1724.jpg
     

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